Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums Pre-school Typical Toddler?

DW was the one in denial in my household, though she chalks that up to a cultural difference. Apparently, the expectations are much higher for entering kindergarteners in Mexico than they are here in the US. DW was soldiering on preparing DD to have basic literacy by the time she showed up in K. Meanwhile, I'm sitting there watching DD2 as she sticks all her spongy letters to the side of the tub in alphabetical order, and asking DW, "What are we going to do with her when she's old enough for school?"

I never realized we'd still be asking this question four years later. <sigh>

Hands on experience is the best teacher. If possible arrange a playdate with a 'normal' agemate and get DH to agree to be the parent in charge while you leave the house. If that doesn't shake the DHs to their cores, I don't know what will.

It's also very important to see what every person on your 'ok to talk about Giftedness' has as a definition of Giftedness, and also what they think they 'know' about giftedness. Often just listening and asking calm simple questions will be enough for other folks to 'air out' their old ideas and see if they themselves think that these ideas are reasonable.

I remember talking with some friends at summer camp, maybe age 11,and someone mentioning that their hair grows faster in the summer. I piped up 'Wow that's counterintutitve because everyone knows that hair is dead brain cells and I would think that during the school years you'd have more turnover, and more hair growth.'

I intantly was horrified, because what I had said sounded so wrong and so stupid. I had just pull a bit of information out of my brain that probably had been told to me by my scary next door neighbor years ago and just got stuck in there.

So have pity on your dear ones. If I thought that hair was made out of dead brain cells for even a moment, then anyone can have any old idea hanging aroung the dark corners that needs a bit of sunlight, right?

Love and More Love,
Grinity

Your comment about going to some play group type events to drive home the difference is a good one. It reminded me of our son's preschool Winter stage production. DS was front and center dancing and singing with no problem. A couple of others were keeping up, but the majority were just standing there looking like deer in the headlights. My husband leaned over and whispered the school should project the lyrics on a screen for the kids. I just laughed out loud and whispered back, "Hon, most preschoolers don't read yet!"

You should have seen his face when he realized his blunder! (Chagrin)

Thanks again everyone for the informative comments.

I can't wait until he really starts letting me know what's on his mind. Just the other day he was pretending that a plastic bottle cap was a cookie and said "MMM.. Delicious!" It was a surprise to hear such a big word from such a little guy.